In this class, we share a whole series of working Finale scripts that can be pasted right into your Finale Script editor. These scripts work “out of the box” and drastically reduce the time required to create a score.
Using Finale Script for Common Tasks
Creating/Editing Finale Scripts:
Basic Syntax
Tasks
- Our Most-Used Scripts
- Editing Entries
- Staff Tasks
- File Tasks
- Creating Finale Scripts
- Resources
- The Future of Scripting
Resource – Facebook Group
Our Collection of Finale Scripts
Finale lacks a shortcut editor, per se, but you can create shortcuts for common tasks using Finale Script. We’ve collected over 20 different functions and assigned shortcuts to them for every day tasks such as
Editing Entries
Configuring the Edit Filter.
We use the edit filter to work on or copy:
- chords
- notes
- or lyrics
- or for Respelling accidentals
- for Tying and untying notes
- for Voicing and harmonizing Melody Lines
Staff Tasks
- Moving entries to a different layer
- Copying a rhythm from one part to another
- Swap entries from one staff to another
- Reset music Spacing
File and System Tasks
- Exporting Audio
- Switch Playback Device
Creating Finale Scripts
Finale Script uses plain language commands, but with specific syntax.
There’s a complete Finale Script Command Reference online. (with a link below in the text).
You might prefer to use Scripts already tested and collated from an online resource.
Resources
…features an extensive collection of working Finale Scripts you can paste right into your Finale Script editor.
…is a community of Finale Script enthusiasts who are also very helpful resource.
The Future of Scripting
Elgato’s StreamDeck is an external button bank controller, available as a mobile app or hardware device.
It can be used to trigger your FinaleScript shortcuts, as well as a do a lot of other things like open apps and files, play KeyBoard Maestro Macros, and open frequently visited websites.
We set ours up to trigger our scripts, as well as trigger script sequences we created. For example, we set up a combination of diatonic transpositions to create a 4-way close voicing and assigned the sequence to one button in StreamDeck.